Area Football Coaches Get Concussion Training

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dozens of area high school coaches went to the hospital Wednesday night.

It wasn’t for treatment but rather for training to detect concussions among student athletes.

A new state law requires all coaches at schools that compete in UIL activities undergo 2 hours of concussion oversight training.

It’s in response to the growing number of head injuries among young athletes. “I think we’re seeing more concussions from 10 years ago now I think part of that is we’re all playing harder,” said football coach Michael Sanders

CBS 11 had exclusive access to the meeting that included coaches from football powerhouses.

For Doctor Robert Berry, educating coaches about the dangers and risks of repeated head injuries is personal.
He was a former team physician for the San Diego Chargers and friend of NFL great Junior Seau who committed suicide last month.

“Its hard to speculate on exactly what the cause was for Junior and what ended up happening,” says Dr. Robert Berry, Baylor SportsCare Concussion Seminar. “Its just a tragedy. I probably would not be where I’m at out without Junior.

As many as 3.8 million young athletes will suffer concussions in the U.S. this year.

“There pressure to win at every level in Texas especially,” says Johnny Ringo, Plano East Football Coach.
“I played football in high school and my coaches were the shake it off you got your bell rung get back it in type of player so I probably came into it with that mindset as well,” says Sanders.

It’s not just football players suffering head blows but also baseball and soccer players. The new law also requires coaches to document head injuries. Schools are also encouraged to hire full time athletic trainers who can provide objective opinions.